Nigeria is taking significant steps to combat Tuberculosis (TB), with a concerted effort to increase the country’s diagnostic capacity. The deployment of 333 Truenat diagnostic machines this year, following the success of 39 machines in 2021, marks a pivotal move in scaling up detection across the country. Funded by the Global Fund, these machines play a crucial role in Nigeria’s fight against TB, a disease that primarily affects the lungs and is spread through the air. With proper detection, it is both preventable and curable, making early diagnosis essential. The expanded use of these machines could help identify more cases, especially in underserved areas, ultimately contributing to a stronger response nationwide..
Truenat machines, which are part of a wider initiative through the National Tuberculosis Programme (NTP), offer significant advantages in detection. Unlike conventional microscopes, which require 10,000 bacilli per milliliter to make a diagnosis, Truenat machines can detect TB with as few as 30 bacilli per milliliter. This improvement is crucial for identifying cases early, which helps reduce transmission and improve treatment outcomes. Rita Akpakpan, the Head of Laboratory Services at the Tuberculosis and Leprosy Control Programme (NTBLCP), highlighted this while stressing the importance of an enhanced capability in strengthening Nigeria’s control efforts.
Maximising the impact of Truenat machines in Nigeria.
Moreover, Truenat machines offer more than just TB detection. In addition to diagnosing tuberculosis, these machines are capable of identifying the drug-resistant variant, a crucial feature for providing personalised treatment to patients who do not respond to standard medications. This dual functionality is essential in tackling the increasing challenge of drug-resistant strains, which pose a significant threat to global health. Beyond TB, the machines also have the capacity to diagnose other serious diseases, including HIV, hepatitis, and COVID-19. This versatility significantly enhances Nigeria’s healthcare infrastructure, expanding its diagnostic capabilities and enabling more comprehensive care across the country.
Despite these significant advancements, it is crucial to ensure that the Truenat machines are not only deployed but are also used effectively and maintained properly. Health facilities must prioritise regular servicing and ensure that trained, competent staff are operating the machines to fully maximise their potential. Without proper training and upkeep, the machines’ ability to detect and diagnose TB and other diseases could be compromised, undermining the benefits they offer. The Nigerian government, in collaboration with healthcare organisations, must remain vigilant in monitoring the success of this initiative, ensuring that these machines are not only operational but also accessible in underserved areas. These regions, where critical healthcare resources have historically been scarce, must be prioritised to bridge the gap in healthcare access and improve health outcomes across the country.
Diagnostic machines will improve detection rates.
Tuberculosis remains one of the most pressing health challenges in Nigeria, where the country has the sixth largest burden globally. Every year, approximately 590,000 new cases are reported, and of these, around 140,000 individuals are also HIV positive, further complicating the fight against the disease. Alarmingly, TB accounts for over 10 percent of all deaths in the country, highlighting the urgent need for effective interventions. One of the key obstacles in combating the disease in Nigeria is the alarmingly low detection rate, with only 24 percent of incident cases identified as of 2018. This significant gap between diagnosis and treatment has been a critical factor in the ongoing spread of the disease, making early detection and timely treatment crucial in controlling its impact.
The expanded deployment of diagnostic machines is expected to tackle this issue by drastically improving detection rates, which will in turn reduce the number of undiagnosed cases. Early detection is key in preventing transmission and limiting its economic and healthcare burden. However, the success of this initiative hinges on more than just technology. Experts stress that a comprehensive approach to tackling TB should also address the social determinants of health, such as Poverty and malnutrition, which contribute significantly to the prevalence of the disease. By tackling these underlying factors alongside improved diagnostic capabilities, Nigeria can enhance its efforts to reduce the impact of TB and improve Public Health outcomes.
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Ultimately, sustaining the fight against tuberculosis in Nigeria requires more than just the deployment of advanced diagnostic machines; it necessitates a well-trained healthcare workforce. Although training has commenced in the Federal Capital Territory and Nasarawa State, and plans for further expansion are in place, experts caution that the current strategy of training only two healthcare workers per facility may not be sufficient. To ensure the success of this initiative, a more robust training programme is essential to equip staff with the necessary skills to effectively operate the machines and diagnose these cases, thereby maximising the potential for early detection and improved treatment outcomes.